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Iamblichus: On the Mysteries · 131 of 218 · tr. Thomas Taylor

Chapter I

The doubts also that follow in the next place require for their solution the assistance of the same divinely-wise Muse. But I am desirous, previous to this, to unfold to you the peculiarity of the theology of the Egyptians. For they, imitating the nature of the universe, and the fabricative energy of the Gods, exhibit certain images through symbols of mystic, occult, and invisible intellections; just as nature, after a certain manner, expresses invisible reasons [or productive powers] through visible forms. But the fabricative energy of the Gods delineates the truth of forms, through visible images. Hence the Egyptians, perceiving that all superior natures rejoice in the similitude to them of inferior beings, and thus wishing to fill the latter with good, through the greatest possible imitation of the former, very properly exhibit a mode of theologizing adapted to the mystic doctrine concealed in the symbols. 285
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Themes
Anthropomorphismtheology

Attributing human characteristics, emotions, or form to the divine; embodied divine imagery.

The passage explicitly describes the Egyptians attributing human characteristics to divine nature by imitating it through symbols.

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Correspondencecosmology

The Hermetic axiom that the structure of the cosmos is reflected at every scale — 'as above, so below; as within, so without' — making each level a legible map of the others.

The text centrally argues that nature expresses invisible reasons through visible forms and the Egyptians use symbols to reveal divine truth.

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Divine Hiddennesstheology

The supreme God's radical concealment beyond ordinary knowledge or perception; the Hidden Father.

The passage emphasizes that the theology is concealed in symbols and involves occult intellections beyond ordinary perception.

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Hidden Sayingssoteriology

Esoteric teachings reserved for those ready to receive them; outer meaning conceals an inner liberating truth.

The text references a 'mystic doctrine concealed in the symbols' that requires a divinely-wise Muse to solve.

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Living Godtheology

The divine conceived as active, present, and dynamic—not an abstract principle but a personal responsive reality.

The Gods are described as possessing a 'fabricative energy' that actively delineates truth.

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Mystical Unionsoteriology

The merging of the individual soul or self with the divine, transcending personal identity.

The Egyptians seek to fill inferior beings with good through the greatest possible imitation of superior natures.

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